Not Impressed

MSC Divina Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Marisela

Contributor Level: Cruise Director

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 37

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Verified Review

USA, Honduras, Belize, Mexico, Bahamas

Sail date: December 23, 2016

Ship: MSC Divina

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9271

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

The cruise ship is beautiful, sparkling clean, luxurious. The crew was all fantastic, very attentive, cordial. Vendors were Very nice and serviceable.

On the negative side:

Checking-in was a terrible experience, too many long-winding lines; 3 different endless winding lines. The checking-in system must be improved. The Wi-Fi connection was very poor and too expensive for the poor service provided. The so called CHEF has no idea what a PAELLA dish is or even looks like; he must look for the recipe. Overall, the food in the main dining was very extensive but not so goodl. The on-board activities were pitiful; bingo and exercises... not all inclusive. As I've experienced on other cruises; swimpool games, dancing classes, cooking, glass blowing demos, ice carving, karaoke, manual arts, etc. I must point out our assigned stateroom cleaning crew, Rocco, did a great job, he was fabulous, respectful and had a great sense of humor. "The Best of Atlantis" tour only takes you to the hotel, no showing of part of the island as it says. You just see what's on the way to the hotel.
Note for New Cruise Ships: Improvement to shower size is a must. It is almost impossible for over-weight persons to shower without causing chaos. I am not an overweight person, yet the space provided is so minimal. It is my believe that overweight people are being discriminated. This problem exists on ALL cruise ships. I thought it should be addressed.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

NOT impressed, although they offered had somewhat different food for breakfast, like eggs benedict, French toasts for breakfast, a cheese station with a great variety of cheeses. They also had Paella, but let me warn you, that was not paella, not even close.

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

During mornings and afternoons they had exersice sessions accompanied by great music by the pool deck, very inviting. They also offered bingo games. NO other entertainments that I'm aware of.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Good shows offered at night.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

No children. However, the place for children looks great. I saw a lot of children in the mornings with painted faces like tiger faces or other animals. One of their mothers told me their children loved it and didn't want to wash off their faces.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

The service and crew was outstanding. I would like to commend our cleaning staff named Rocco; simply the best. Complaint: I never received the bill for our expenditures in the cruise ship. This bother me a lot, for a few things were returned and I'm not sure if we were charged.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

The inside of the ship is spectacular. Thoroughly clean at all times. My only complain is the shower stalls... although I am not an overweight person, the shower stalls are tiny and very uncomfortable, as in any cruise ship. I cannot fathom overweight persons taking a shower in them, it must be excruciating. I find this highly discriminating. For smokers, the cruise ship has, at the far end on the 15th floor, an ample great bar with a great swimming pool, music and great accommodations. The best I've seen in any cruise ship.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

The cleaning crew was very good. The shower stall is tight, as in every cruise ship. They should think of heavy weight persons. I feel for them, as to take a shower in them must be excruciating. I find it highly discriminating.

Traveler Photos

Lagoon encounters the beach at Xcaret Park

6 Comments

Gwbigdog 2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us.

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hotvwchick 7 years ago

I was on the same cruise.too I found the entertainment was fine. I found plenty to do without being overwhelmed with being involved constantly. There was a daily paper listing all events happening onboard. This is a European line. I find European lines are more understated with activities. Personally, I was there to enjoy the cruise and the ship. Nothing like fresh salt air, beautiful blue seas, warm breezes, and the sun upon my face.

Yes, the lines for embarkation was long. I noticed that they expressed seniors, and people with disabilities through to the front of the line instead of making them wait. I thought that was nice. For me, I'm not going to let a 30 minute wait in line for embarktion, be a deciding factor on my MSC cruise. It was only that long during the peak boarding time.

The food I received was fine. Well presented and tasty. I had plenty of choices. There was a couple of things I didn't like but there was always other options. My 3 daughters loved all the choices and would often order 2 entrees.

Now onto the shower...

The bathroom was small but well desgned. Plenty of storage. The shower was well designed too. I'm over weight. I had no problems with it. I couldn't do jumping jacks in it but it served its purpose. I could see very obese people having problems with the shower. Was there not handicapped cabins on board that would accommodate such guests and their needs?

Overall, the MSC line is different from the mainstream. Its understated not brash. People were polite and courteous. I really enjoyed the change from the mainstream cruise lines.

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BonMike 7 years ago

Thanks for posting your review. I'm not sure how you can say that the size of cruise ship showers is a problem on "ALL" ships, since you have cruised just 7 times.....

i enjoyed your photos and have several from the same ports too. Happy cruising.

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askeegan 7 years ago

Well being an overweight person, I do not feel discriminated against. Although the showers are small, they are serviceable. In fact, I have seen many overweight people on cruises, and lets face it, buffet does not scream "This is for all you skinny people" LOL. Sadly all cruise ships minimize space to maximize profit. Way of the times I guess :)

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glomarrone 7 years ago

I loved my cruise on the Poesia and the Divina. I hope to use the cruise line again in the future. Sorry to read that you had a very different experience.

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TERRI1962 7 years ago

Nice photos thanks for sharing,

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